ACEC-Ontario Board of Directors and Staff

Working hard for our member firms.

2023-2024 ACEC-Ontario Board of Directors

The Board of Directors dedicate their time to keeping the Association at the forefront of member interests and issues. Backed by market research and diverse perspectives from across the industry in Ontario, they advocate on behalf of ACEC-Ontario’s member firms.

ACEC-Ontario Staff

Andrew Hurd, Executive Director
(416) 620-1400 Ext.224

Andrew Hurd joined ACEC-Ontario in July 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the Association’s strategic direction and daily operations. Andrew is responsible for the execution of the Board’s Strategic Plan, in addition to overall responsibility for the daily operations of the Association and its dedicated staff team. This includes robust engagement with members, stakeholders and allies to further promote and advance the business interests of the Association’s members across Ontario.

Prior to joining ACEC-Ontario, Andrew spent six years as Director, Policy and Stakeholder Relations with the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA). While at ORBA, he played a pivotal role in helping to strategically advance ORBA’s policy goals with his extensive knowledge of transportation infrastructure policy files, communications, issues management and political decision-making.

Throughout his career Andrew has fostered productive relationships with partner associations and many of the public-sector Ministries and agencies that are key to ACEC-Ontario, as well as volunteering on numerous external industry committees.

Prior to his time at ORBA, Andrew worked for the government of Ontario for over 12 years in a variety of senior policy-related roles, including with the Office of the Premier and the Ministries of Transportation, Indigenous Relations, and Education.

Michelle West, Director, Membership, Marketing & Communications
416-620-1400 ext 227

Michelle West joined ACEC-Ontario in 2020 and leads a cross-functional team responsible for advancing member engagement through strategic communications, marketing, events, education platforms, and volunteer programs. She oversees the planning and delivery of initiatives that connect and empower members across the province—including through active chapters, member networks, professional development events, and accessible learning platforms—while ensuring alignment with ACEC-Ontario’s mission and brand.

With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the non-profit and B2B sectors, Michelle is a senior marketing and engagement professional with a strong track record of cultivating thriving membership communities and fostering volunteer participation. Her collaborative leadership style and data-informed approach have supported organizational growth, deepened stakeholder relationships, and delivered award-winning campaigns, including a high-profile government relations initiative that successfully stopped the introduction of a new consumer tax in Ontario.

Please contact Michelle for inquiries related to member engagement, sponsorship opportunities, communications, marketing initiatives, or education programming.

Laura Lambie, Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations
416-620-1400 Ext. 221

Laura is experienced in program design and implementation of volunteer, health promotion, and therapeutic recreation programs. Her experience includes engagement in both the not-for-profit and public sectors. Previously, Laura held the position of Manager, Municipal Relations and Manager, Engagement at ACEC-Ontario. Prior to joining ACEC-Ontario, Laura worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for a community health center, with a focus of engaging volunteers with physical disabilities.

Laura holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Development from The University of Guelph. She has also received her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) and Knowledge Mobilization Certificate (KMb) from the University of Guelph.

Lynne Harris, Manager, Finance & Operations
416-620-1400 Ext. 225

Lynne Harris is responsible for the association’s financial management and reporting, as well as administration, human resources, and operations. As a member of the management team, she works closely with the Finance and Audit Committee to ensure that budgets are aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and objectives.

Lynne is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant. She has extensive experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She has many years of experience on the management teams of small to medium sized companies, mainly in the manufacturing sector. She pivoted to the not-for-profit sector becoming the founding Finance Manager at a provincial government agency. Lynne earned her Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours Co-operative Program) degree from the University of Waterloo and her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Please contact Lynne for membership fee invoice related inquiries.

Priyanka Anand, Specialist, Events & Marketing
416-620-1400 Ext. 223

Priyanka Anand joined the team in September 2023 as Events & Marketing Specialist supporting the Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications. Her role encompasses the seamless coordination and execution of a wide array of events and education programs organized by ACEC-Ontario ensuring every detail is attended to. Additionally, Priyanka will support connections and strong community through communications with all members and stakeholders of ACEC-Ontario.

She is a dynamic professional dedicated to crafting exceptional experiences for our diverse audience and brings over 5 years of experience and expertise to the role, seeking to elevate organization’s events and marketing efforts.

Please contact Priyanka for any inquiries associated with education, events or marketing efforts.

Valeriia Makarenko, Senior Membership Coordinator
416.620.1400 x 226

Valeriia joined ACEC-Ontario in June 2024 and currently serves as Senior Membership Coordinator within the Membership, Marketing, and Communications department. In her role, Valeriia leads the delivery of a seamless member experience by overseeing core membership processes, supporting chapter and network activities, and advancing volunteer engagement across the province.

She is responsible for managing membership applications and renewals, analyzing engagement KPIs, and identifying opportunities to enhance member value. Valeriia also plays a key role in supporting the operations of ACEC-Ontario’s committees, chapters, and member networks, contributing to the organization’s strategic goals for growth and engagement.

With a background in hospitality and business administration, Valeriia brings a strong service mindset and operational expertise to her work—ensuring every member interaction reflects ACEC-Ontario’s commitment to excellence.

Please contact Valeriia for inquiries related to membership, chapters, committees, networks, or volunteering opportunities.